A look at the all-new Commodore 64 (images)

It may be 29 years old, but the venerable "C64" is making a comeback. Commodore has released pictures of its new prototype.

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The Brand-new Commodore 64

Commodore USA released a set of "sneak peek" images today of its prototype of a brand-new Commodore 64. One of the most beloved home computers of all time--and part of the group of machines, including the Commodore Vic-20, Atari 800, Apple II and IIe, and Commodore Amiga, that forever changed the way people interacted with computers.

Although 29 years have gone by since the C64's 1982 release, Commodore USA says it is releasing a new version of the venerable computer, complete with a new version of the Commodore OS that has been updated for modern day and which includes a Web browser and a Microsoft Office-compatible suite of productivity tools.

The company isn't saying when--or definitively if--the new machine will be released, but since the pictures were released days after April 1, we can only hope that this isn't a joke.

And remember, Commodore implores, "The new Commodore 64 is a fully functional PC compatible, so you can even install and use the latest versions of Windows if you really feel you need to. We provide a beautiful graphical boot menu at start up from which Windows can be selected to run, so you needn't lose any of the functionality of the new C64's included Commodore operating systems."

Inside the case

A look inside the case of the all-new Commodore 64 prototype. Commodore says the new computer is "better than ever! The new Commodore 64 is a modern functional PC as close to the original in design as humanly possible. It houses a modern mini-ITX PC motherboard featuring a Dual Core 525 Atom processor and the latest Nvidia Ion2 graphics chipset. It comes in the original taupe brown/beige color, with other colors to follow."

Side slots on the C64 prototype

Right side

According to Commodore, "A multi-format card reader/writer and a USB slot are provided on the right side of the unit. There are an additional four USB slots on the rear of the unit for all your peripheral needs."

Plus, says Commodore, "The classic power light is now the power button."

The rear

Stylized rear

According to Commodore USA, "The new Commodore 64 can be connected to the latest televisions and monitors, and can deliver 1080p HD quality video playback and six-channel high-definition audio for an excellent home theater experience. It also incorporates wireless n Wi-Fi for exceptional Internet video streaming quality."

Prototype rear

Keyboard information

According to Commodore, the new C64 "features genuine herry brand key switches, which provide a feel much better than the original, with a lovely IBM classic mechanism and click sound. The keys are the exact same shape as the original and are color matched. No expense has been spared. This is the ultimate hackers keyboard on which to wield your key-fu."